Hope all are well after the long weekend and you got away and enjoyed it, Len`s and Barb`s tramp went ahead under plan B, Here`s Len`s report (Book) :) After consulting weather reports and personal advice, it was decided to abandon the Sawcut Gorge proposal as it was thought a small rain shower could prevent the trampers from returning home on time. Cameron Hut in the Arrowsmith Range near Lake Heron was selected as plan B. Day 1, 8am Friday 24 October saw 4 club members depart from Gary`s place on their way via Mt Somers past the Lake Heron Camp ground to a carpark at the track beginning. In fine weather, Barb, Gary, Eric and Len walked along the Cameron River past Wild Mans Hill and the Wild Mans Brother Range. As they travelled up river, vegetation became lower to the ground and at the hut there were very few plants, just bare rock from glacial moraine. It would seem the only thing that moves mountains with greater effect is continental drift. Purple doors in the hut were quite striking as was the lack of a fireplace. No plants, nothing to burn for heating. After getting established in bunks and having a trampers mandatory cuppa, the party explored the terminal ice face of the Cameron Glacier then called it a day retiring to the hut for the evening. They were apologetically woken about 1130pm by 2 mountain climbers who slept a few hours then very quietly departed from the hut after a 2.30am alarm! None of the MaD members heard them go. Day 2, Saturday 25 October dawned clear, bright and blue sky so the team decided to investigate a saddle on the true right and slightly down stream. After an easy climb, lunch was eaten overlooking the Ashburton Glacier and River, South Branch. Wind had started to pick up in the afternoon but after a siesta it was decided to check out the Tarn at Douglas Glacier. After climbing a snow free spur a view of the beautiful light ice blue Tarn surface was possible but gusty wind and a lack of depth perception stopped them exploring any further. The party felt they earned their dinner that night. During the night the wind increased in speed, rattling the corrugated iron and making sleep difficult. Day 3, Sunday 26 October dawned misty and windy so a hut day was declared. In one of the lulls, a couple of people had a look at the snowfree areas of Peg Col. Later in the day they walked up the true right moraine wall and spotted about 15 thar and chamois on the bluffs above the valley. It was great to watch these graceful animals move around their vertical world with such ease. Further up the wall gave a better view of the Cameron Glacier. Dinner was just over when a party of 4 from Christchurch arrived so the hut was quite full. Day 4, Monday 27 October 5.45am rise and out the door heading for home by about 6.50am to put Eric on a plane back to Auckland. Weather was overcast and on the deck, with some light showers with Snow at times. They made good time and had late lunch with coffee at Garys as the Staverley Store was shut. Good country, Great trip, Fantastic team. Well done everybody. Len Doel. ( photo`s by Eric and Gary )
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 06:28:27 +0000
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